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Photo: Khoasod English
The event, held at the Bharat Mandapam International Exhibition and Convention Centre in New Delhi, India, was detailed by Government Spokesperson Chai Watcharoenke. The Prime Minister expressed his gratitude to the World Heritage Centre and its Advisory Bodies for recognizing the exceptional universal value of "Phu Phrabat", which displays the Sima stone tradition from the Dvaravati period.
With the inclusion of Phu Phrabat, Thailand now has five cultural and three natural World Heritage Sites. Udon Thani, where Phu Phrabat is located, has become the only province in Thailand to have two World Heritage Sites.
According to the Prime Minister, the Phu Phrabat site includes the Phu Phrabat Historical Park and the Sima Cultural Site. It is an important example of the sima stone tradition dating back to the 8th century, preserving the largest collection of sima stones globally.
The inclusion of Phu Phrabat in the World Heritage List is not only a proud moment for Thailand, but also brings benefits for future generations. It will encourage conservation, restoration and protection efforts at various levels and support academic research for the betterment of humanity.
The Prime Minister concluded by inviting everyone to visit Thailand's newly recognised World Heritage Site.
Phu Phra Bat Historical Park is located on a small sandstone mountain in the Phu Phan mountain range in Ban Phue District in western Udon Thani Province. It is located within the Khuea Nam National Forest Reserve at an altitude of about 320-350 metres above sea level. The area is known for its large rock shelters spread across dense forest.
These unique rock shelters were shaped by glacial movements and differential erosion during the Mesozoic-Cretaceous period, resulting in large flat rocks balanced on stone pillars of varying heights, resembling giant mushrooms.
What sets Phu Phra Bat Historical Park apart from other historical parks is that most of its ancient structures were formed naturally. These structures created by natural processes were later adapted by humans for cultural purposes in various periods.
This park features unusual rock formations, including pinnacles, giant boulders and balanced rocks, which provide backdrops for prehistoric art and religious sites. The rocks are believed to have been formed by underwater erosion about fifteen million years ago.
Prehistoric paintings on rocks are best preserved where natural shelters were formed, although some have faded over time. Notable examples include Tham Wua and Tham Khon, depicting oxen and human figures, respectively. These rock paintings are believed to be around 6,000 years old.
Phu Phra Bat is also associated with a local legend about a king, his daughter and her lover. The park's most famous structure, Ho Nang Usa, is where the over-protective king imprisoned his daughter. Despite her seclusion, she managed to communicate with her lover, leading to their marriage against her father's wishes.
Ho Nang Usa is one of many rock formations that house temples, some of which date back to the Dvaravati period (7th-10th century). These temples show the influence of Hinduism and Buddhism.
Thailand submitted Phu Phra Bat Historical Park for recognition as a World Cultural Heritage Site in 2004, which was successful in 2024, more than 20 years later.
The 46th session of the World Heritage Committee, held on July 21-31, 2024 in New Delhi, India, also discussed two other Thai heritage sites:
1) Consideration of Songkhla and its associated lagoon settlements for the World Heritage Centre's Tentative List.
2) Inscription of Phu Phrabat Historical Park, whose title is proposed to be changed to "Phu Phrabat, Evidence of the Sima Stone Tradition of the Dvaravati Period", recognised for its outstanding universal value.
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